Romain Wattel produced a stunning late surge, while Scotland's Richie Ramsay dropped a shot on the last to join Andrew McArthur in a three-way tie for the lead after the Trophee Hassan II's third round.
Ramsay carded a blistering 66 to be one of four players holding a one-shot advantage on Friday and he now sits alongside countryman McArthur and France's Wattel on seven under-par.
Two-time European Tour winner Ramsay would have held a slender advantage over his companions in Sunday's final group had he not faltered on a section of the Golf du Palais Royal where he previously excelled.
Having only failed to pick up a shot on the par-five 17th, Ramsay erred on 18 to card a one-under 71.
Over the opening two rounds he played the final three holes in four under.
McArthur and Wattel leapt up to the top of the pack with rounds of 67 - the latter gaining four strokes over the final four holes to give him momentum heading into Sunday as he aims for a first triumph on Tour.
"It was a thrilling back nine," said Wattel. "It is always nice to finish the round like that.
"I'm desperate for a win. I can't control what the other guys will shoot so I just concentrate on my own game.
"When you start a tournament you want to win but all the guys want the same, you can only play your best."
Argentina's Emiliano Grillo was also five under for the round to join a clutch of players in joint-second.
A collection of seven players on six under does not include the other three members of Friday's leading quartet, all of whom endured disappointing rounds.
Oliver Farr of Wales and Spain's Rafa Bello-Cabrera hit 74 apiece, while Australian Richard Green tumbled further with as he carded four over on Saturday.
One man among the nearest chasing pack is George Coetzee, leaving the South African handily poised for the win he requires to secure a spot at next month's Masters.